| BBC takes action |
|
The BBC has called on Kent police to reopen its investigation into allegations of abuse at a care home for learning disabled people, after the force apologised for libelling the reporter who helped break the story.
The allegations of abuse at the Brompton home in Gillingham, Kent, were made three years ago by a BBC investigation fronted by reporter Donal MacIntyre. They led to the introduction of national guidelines on the use of restraint by care staff. MacIntyre sued Kent police when it cast doubt on the BBC's evidence. The force's own investigation led to two members of staff being cautioned for "minor assaults". Last month, Kent police withdrew its comments, apologised to MacIntyre and admitted that the programme revealed "serious shortcomings" in the running of the home. Kent police agreed to pay £15,000 damages which will be donated to learning disability charities and court costs for both sides. But Pip Clothier, who produced the documentary, said: "I think Kent police behaved appallingly. "We are asking them to reopen their investigation. We feel it was totally inadequate." The force declined to comment when asked if it would reopen the case. Michelle Chinery, a consultant on learning difficulty issues who is helping to compile a BBC report on the case, said the police should also apologise to former residents of Brompton, which was forced to close. She said: "I feel very strongly about this case that justice has not been done."
|